PhD Study : ​Energy positive Multifunctional Building Facades Incorporating Energy Storage for nearly Zero Energy Building standards

Summary

​Recent agreements between world nations on climate change mitigation will result in mandatory requirements to reduce energy use by buildings by defining and implementing a the nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) standard. Achieving this will significantly reduce building energy use or enable buildings to make a positive energy contribution. Building facades form the interface between the internal and external environment and as such, they act as a key modulator between these two environments. therefore controlling the energy flows into or out of the building can potentially have a substantial influence on energy demand and building carbon emissions. In addition, they provide an opportunity for harnessing renewable energy to offset building energy use.

Recent advances have seen façade and glazing systems act as smart multifunction glazed components bringing together a range of properties such as excellent thermal insulation, energy harvesting and light transmission and energy storage. Traditional multi-pane insulating glazing systems, which use inert gases, warm edge spacers and low emissivity coatings have reached the limits achievable for thermal insulation performance. Further improvements have been shown to be achievable with the development of a Vacuum Insulated Glazing (VIG) using a narrow, evacuated cavity between the glass panes to minimise heat transmission. An evacuated cavity provides several opportunities for additional functionality for electrical/ thermal energy harvesting and coupled with a suitable energy storage system, has the potential make a positive contribution to the building energy needs.

For the successful development of these systems key issues to be investigated include development of a suitable seal technologies for the vacuum cavity which could accommodate mechanisms for the transport of electrical/ thermal energy to a storage system. Consideration should be given to the ability of the seal to withstand stresses due to large temperature differentials between the indoor and outdoor environments and those imposed by atmospheric pressure acting on the glass panes or due to other significant impacts. The mechanisms to be used for solar energy harvesting will require investigation together with how the harvested energy may be transported and used within the building or options for energy storage within the building to be used during periods without generation. The additional functionality of the vacuum insulated glazing may be considered to include the use novel materials or coatings for light/energy control.

The proposed facade systems would have applications for a range of climates and would ideally be applicable for both new and existing buildings including those where the architectural merit of the building must be maintained.  Areas such as weight reduction, ease of installation and integration (particularly for building retrofitting), and light transmission while meeting the building standards and conservation considerations for heritage buildings are essential considerations for new products and systems. ​The developed glazing/façade system performance will be fully characterised using a solar simulator, hot box calorimetry with potential evaluation under real environmental conditions through inclusion in demonstration test sites in Europe.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living